LINCOLN, Nebraska (AP) - Community groups are hustling to meet an Oct. 1 deadline to launch a new health insurance marketplace in Nebraska, a key piece of the federal health care law designed to steer users toward a coverage plan.

Nebraska state officials have maintained a hands-off approach to the marketplace, which requires hiring and training a small army of experts to guide newcomers through the process. Gov. Dave Heineman rejected a state-run option in November, saying it was too expensive, so the federal government took charge of setting it up.

Community Action of Nebraska is still hiring its insurance "navigators," and some of the group's current employees have yet to finish the 20-hour online training course to meet the program's requirements. Executive director Roger Furrer says he's confident his group will be ready.